North Jeolla Selected as South Korea's 2036 Olympic Candidate, Defeats Seoul 49-11

North Jeolla Province has been selected as South Korea's candidate to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, winning a decisive 49-11 vote against Seoul from the national governing bodies of Olympic sports. Governor Kim Kwan-young hailed the victory as a 'miracle' and emphasized a strategy focused on cost efficiency and eco-friendliness, aiming to share events with neighboring cities to promote regional growth. The proposal aligns with the International Olympic Committee's Agenda 2020+5, which advocates for using existing facilities rather than new constructions. Seoul, which previously hosted the Olympics in 1988, presented its established infrastructure and experience but was ultimately outmaneuvered by North Jeolla's collaborative approach. The final decision on the host will be made in 2026, with competition from cities like Istanbul and Santiago. This unexpected turn marks a significant shift in South Korea's Olympic hosting ambitions, as North Jeolla seeks to leverage its unique regional alliances.